Mount Zion Minutes 1883-1900

I believed that I had copied all pages from here ... there appear to be some chunks missing ... not sure whether my photos didn’t all register properly, whether pages missing from the original book or whether the entries were not kept as conscientiously in this period. What follows is all that I have found:

1883. February 21st Church Meeting

It was unanimously agreed that Solomon and Mary Chilton be Baptized next Sunday, and received into Church fellowship.

2. That Margaret Lewis be restored to Membership in this place.

John Morgan, Sec

1883 Feb 25 Deacons Meeting.

I was unanimously agreed to limit the time for the settlement between Jane Jenkins the Cross and Martha Jenkins the Yew Tree untill next Church Meeting and if they will not settled by then, to be excluded.

John Morgan, Sec

Church Meeting April 18th 1883

It was unanimously agreed that Jane Jenkins, The Cross and Martha Jenkins, Yew Tree be excluded from membership in this place. It grieves us to (do it – deleted) take their names of the book they excluded themselves. We hope and pray that they will see their folly, and come back in pure friendship.

2nd Also that our Brother William Beaven be restored to membership in this place.

3rd That a collection be made on Sunday May 6th for the support of Pontypool College.

4th That our Sister Maria Williams, and Elizabeth Williams be baptized next Lord day, and received into Church fellowship.

John Morgan, Secretary

1883 May 16th Church Meeting

It was unanimously agreed to accept Mr Pugh’s resignation of the Pastorate over this Church and to terminate on Sunday 17th of June 1883.

John Morgan, Sec

1883 October 3rd Church Meeting

It was unanimously agreed at this Meeting that the two Candidates for Baptism Jesse Leonard and George Leonard be Baptized next Lord’s day and received into fellowship in this Church.

Signed H. Williams

Memorandum November 30th 1883

On Sunday evening October 28th 1883 it was unanimously agreed in Society on the above Sunday to give an invitation to the Rev James G Watts of Abergavenny to become our Pastor, the salary of Three Pounds per month was agreed to be offered on the following Sunday night in Society. Mr Watts being present informed the Church that he would accept the invitation. On the 18 November Mr Watts commenced his Ministry as our pastor with every prospect of success two Candidates for Baptism staying in society on that evening and others ready to give themselves to the Saviour and then to his Church.

Signed Henry Williams

Church Meeting December 27th

It was unanimously agreed that the two candidates for Baptism be Baptized next Lords day and received into membership in this Church.

Also the account of the teaparty held last August was brought forward and the balance of £7.11.8 cash paid to treasurer.

Signed H. Williams

On Sunday night December 30th it was decided to hold the Recognition Services in connection with the settlement of Mr Watts as our Minister on Thursday the 17th day of January 1884 and to invite Rev W Morgan, Blaenavon to deliver the Charge to the pastor and the Rev J Tucker Griffithstown that to the Church and the Rev JR Pugh of Nantyglo be invited to preach in the evening & Rev W Thomas of Cinderford, being all former Ministers of this Church.

H. Williams

1884 January 24th The Recognition Services in Connection with the settlement of Mr Watts as Pastor of this Church was held on the above date being postponed from the date which was first fixed Rev W. Morgan Blaenavon delivered the charge to the Minister Rev J Tucker that to the Church Rev W Thomas Cinderford commenced the Service at 2 o clock and the service at 6.13PM was commenced by Rev T Tucker when the Rev J.R. Pugh Nantyglo Preached and Rev W Thomas Cinderford Preached to a large congregation.

On Sunday January 27th Clara Thomas was Baptized and received the right hand of fellowship in this Church by the Pastor.

Hy Williams

Church Meeting June 1884

It was decided that the Chapel be painted all round up to the pegs for the hats and that the money for the payment be raised by Subscription.

Also that our Brother Philip Meredith be restored to Communion and fellowship

Henry Williams, Sec

1884 July 9th Church Meeting

It was unanimously agreed that our annual Tea Meeting be held on Thursday the 7th day of August and also that the Sunday School Teaparty Thursday July 24th. Also that the wall by the footpath by the Chapel and also the wall by Mr Listers properly be repaired.

Henry Williams, (Sec)

1884 Church Meeting October 29th

1st at this meeting at was agreed that the following candidates for Baptism be Baptized next Lords day viz Mary Pritchard, William Arthur, Henry Jeremiah and William Vaughan.

2ndly that Elizabeth Williams of the Twyn be restored to Communion and fellowship in this Church having been excommunicated by the Church at Cinderford.

3rdly the proceeds of the Teaparty held the 7th day of August amounting to £8.12.1 was presented to our Pastor Rev J.G. Watts in consideration of the smallness of his salary.

It was also decided to hold a Christmas Tree on Christmas day for the Benefit of the Cause in this place, many promises having all ready been made of presents for the stalls of Geese etc

Henry Williams, (Sec)

1885 December 25th a Christmas Tree was held in the Board School Room on Glascoed Common, in connection with the Glascoed Baptist Chapel, the proceeds whole amounted to fifteen pounds ten shillings was applied to the organ fund.

1886 January 13th Church meeting

1st at this meeting the Church Book was revised, and the a/c of the Teaparty held August 6th 1885 the proceeds being £11.16.5 1/2 which was applied to the Building of the Wall around the new Burial Ground which was kindly given to the Church by E. Lister Esq Cefn Ila, the whole amount of the cost of Building the wall around the new Ground and Building a Closet etc was £30.2.0

1886 January 19th the sale of the things that was unsold at the Christmas Tree was held at the Chapel the whole of the things being sold realising the sum of £4.18.5 which is applied to the Organ fund.

The Price of the Organ being 20 Guineas the whole of which has now been met by Subscription and the proceeds of Xmas Tree etc

Henry Williams

1886 July 2nd, on the above date the Rev J.G. Watts resigned the pastorate of this church having accepted a call to Pontnewynydd.

The notice of Resignation to the Officers & Members of Baptist Church, Glascoed.

Dear Brothers & Sisters

I herewith beg to inform you that on the last Lords Day (29) in August next, I shall resign the Position I now hold as Pastor of your Church.

Thanking you very much for all your past kindnesses and also for the confidence you have been pleased to place in me for nearly three years.

Believe me, to remain your obedient servant James G. Watts

July 2nd 1886

1886 Aug 1st

On the Sunday morning the Church was asked to stay behind when William Jones proposed that the Church present our retiring Pastor with a Testimonial on his retirement from the Pastorate which was agreed to. Also Brother Edward Rees gave notice that he would resign the office of Deacon from that day, which the Church afterwards accepted,

1888 July 4th Church Meeting

1st It was proposed, Seconded and unanimously agreed that our Brother Philip Meredith be restored into Communion and fellowship in this Church, and that he be at liberty to take his place with us at the Lords Supper on Sunday next,

2ndly It was unanimously agreed that we invite the Children of the day school to our Sunday School Teaparty on Monday July 16th

H. Williams

On Thursday August 5th 1886

The Annual Teaparty took place when there was a good attendance. 310 partook of Tea at the Close a public meeting was held when addresses were delivered by Revs Vaughan, Goytre, Evans, Tabernacle, Thomas Trosnant and Rev J Lewis, Mr Watts presiding.

1888 April 17th Church Meeting

1st at this meeting the Account of the Xmas Tree was brought in when the proceeds amounted to £13-8-10

2nd proposed by W. Williams and Seconded by E. Rees that the Account of the Church be read every month on the Sunday after the Communion Sunday.

3rd It was decided to have the Chapel repainted and recoloured up to the ceiling and also the windows inside and out.

4th Proposed by W. Williams and Seconded by J. Edmunds that we give an Invitation to the Rev J Lewis to become pastor of this Church, and unanimously agreed, at the salary the Church can make.

Signed H. Williams, Sec

Church Meeting March 20th 1889

The account of the Teaparty held on Aug 16th’88 was brought in and paid to Treasurer on this date, amount - £7-17-0 1/2

Also proceeds of Xmas Tree 11-18- 3 1/2

(Total) £19-15-4

2ndly It was decided to Build the wall around the Graveyard with Fire Bricks to be proceeded with as soon as possible.

3rd That the Collection be made for Pontypool College in end of April and for the Missionary Society in course of a month or so afterwards

Henry Williams

Sec

Church Meeting Nov 20th 89

The account of the Teaparty held 8th day of August was brought in, received from Teaparty £15-3-6

Paid in connection with the party and also wall etc 10-3-6

Balance to pay Treasurer 5-0-0

2nd Decided to grant the collection that was made at the Haul?? Pegising?? Meeting which was £1-3-6 after paying Mr Edwards of Chapel Ed 7/- for preaching between the foreign Mission and the home Mission 10/- or the home Mission and the remainder for the foreign mission

3rd that our young sister Joan Morgan be Baptized next Lords day and received in Church fellowship

4th It was decided to hold the Xmas Tree in the School Room on Christmas day as usual. Signed H. Williams

Amount paid in Connection with Building the chapel yard wall.

4000 Bricks@ 37/6 7.10.0

W. Morgan Mason work 10.12.6

Lime 1.3.0

Refreshments 0.10.3

Felling 2 Fir Trees 0.4.0

Total paid £19.19.9

Hy Williams Sec

Chapel Meeting July 16th 1892

It was unanimously agreed to hold our annual Teameeting on Thursday August 11th and to invite the Rev A.J. Jones of Maindee to deliver his Lecture on Christmas Evans at the close of the party.

H. Williams

The Teameeting was held as above when about 270 partook of tea besides the Sunday School which made it about 300.

Rev A.J. Jones of Maindee delivered his Lecture on Christmas Evans the Chapel being well filled with people, which was enjoyed by all.

Henry Williams

1892 August 21st Church Meeting held on Sunday evening after the Public Service

It was agreed that the following candidates for Baptism be Baptized next Lords day and received into Church fellowship in this place. Leonard Lewis, Emanuel Sainsbury, Mrs Gibbon and Miss Brown from Greenpool

Henry Williams, Sec

On Sunday August the Baptisms took place only three candidates being present – Leonard Lewis, Emanuel Sainsbury and Miss Brown. The Rev W Edwards D.D. of Pontypool College administered the ordinance and preached morning and evening to a large congregation.

Henry Williams

Sunday Sept 18th 1892 Church meeting

It was agreed that the following candidates for Baptism be Baptized next Lords. Mrs Gibbon and David Jenkins also that our sister Maria Sainsbury be restored to communion and fellowship.

Henry Williams

On Sunday Sept 25th the two candidates for Baptism Mrs Gibbon and David Jenkins were Baptized by Mr B.O. James student of Pontypool College and received into Church fellowship

Henry Williams

Oct 16th 1892 Church Meeting Sunday night.

It was agreed that George Taylor who is before the Church a Candidate for Baptism be Baptized next Lords day and received into Church fellowship.

H. Williams

1892 On Sunday October 23rd George Taylor was Baptized by Rev J.D. Rees of Pontnewynydd and received into Church fellowship.

Henry Williams

1893 June 21 Church Meeting

1st the account of the Teameeting was brought in for Aug 11th 1892

Received from Tickets sold- 13.13.0

Provisions sold 1.1.8

Cash at the Door 0.17.0

Total received £15.11.8

Paid Mr Daniels Bill and Groceries +c 4.17.7

Mr Jones Expences 0.5.0

7 lbs Butter @ 1/2 0.8.2

Coal 1 Cwt 0.1.0

Cleaning Chapel 0.5.0

Printing tickets 0.5.6

Materials for Chapel 0.11.5

New Cask 110 Gal 1.16.0

Repairing Organ +c 3.15.0

12.4.8

Balance in hand 3.7.0

John Edmunds tickets 1.10.0

To be added to Treasurers a/c 4.17.0

June 21 Continued

2nd I was unanimously resolved that Joan Morgan and David Jenkins be excluded from membership in this church for bad conduct.

3rdly Resolved that our own annual Teameeting be held in this place on Thursday Aug 7th

Hy Williams

May 2nd 1894

At this meeting is was resolved that our Sisters Catherine Jones & Mrs Stinchcomb be Baptized and received into Church fellowship next Lords day, also that our Sister Sarah Morgan be restored to Communion and fellowship in this Church.

Hy Williams, Sec

Memorandum

That our derly beloved Pastor the Rev Joseph Lewis departed this life on Thursday the 24th day of May 1894 having failed to preach only one Sunday, had he preached two Sundays more he would have been in the Ministry forty years.

On the Thursday following May 31st the funeral took place when all that was mortal was buried near the door of Chapel and by his late fathers tomb the following Ministers taking part in the Services

Rev J.G. Watts Pontnewynydd read and prayed at the House, the Rev D Davies Charles St Newport read in the chapel Rev D.M. Davies Griffithstown prayed, Rev John Williams, Crane St, Pontypool and the Rev D.B. Jones Cearleon and the Rev W. Jones of Maindee Newport addressed the meeting and the Rev J Williams Calvary Brynmawr engaged in prayer, at the Grave the Rev J.D. Rees of Pontrydyryn spoke and the Rev T. Coker Pontnewynydd engaged in prayer, while the Rev. W. Morgan St. Brides Superintended the whole, this was brought to a close very solemn and impressive services at the close of the Service a Meeting was held in the Chapel when the Ministers present agreed to supply our pulpit free of charge for twelve months for Mrs Lewis’s benefit. She to have the salary for that period.

Henry Williams

Church Meeting June 27th 1894

1st It was proposed by Henry Williams and seconded by Edward Rees that the Church pay Mrs Lewis three pounds a month for this year when the Ministers supply our pulpit free of charge for her benefit.

2nd It was proposed by E. Rees and Seconded by J. Jacob that we make a special collection for paying Ministers expences.

3rd that our annual Teameeting be held on the 16th day of August, and to invite Ministers to hold a public meeting at the close.

Henry Williams, Sec

Sept 19th 1894 Church meeting

1st It was decided that the ministers continued to supply our pulpit according to the arrangements made at Mr Lewis funeral and that the Church put a Stone on the Grave of Mr & Mrs Lewis

2nd That our thanksgiving meeting be held on October 9th or 11th and that Mr Morgan, St Brides be asked to preach

3 that the Church pay Henry Williams 10/- per month for taking the preachers on Sunday

4 that David Jenkins be excluded from membership in this Church for disorderly conduct

5 that the pipe in connection with the stove in the chapel be repaired by Mr Sandb(missing couple of letters) of Pontypool

6 that we buy a Baptizing gown before there will be Baptizing in a Months time.

Henry Williams, Sec

May 8th Church Meeting

1st It was agreed that the Church pay the sum of ten pounds towards putting a Grave stone on the Grave of Mr & Mrs Lewis, and if the family desire a better stone can be purchased for that amount, they are at Liberty to buy a better one and have the ten pounds as part of payment.

2nd It was agreed to build the wall at the end of the Chapel yard with Blaendare fire Brick

3rd Proposed by E Rees + seconded by J. Edins that we have a collection every fortnight to increase the funds of the Church.

4. that we paint the chapel this (summer?)and that we do it Ourselves to save expence

5th that Henry Williams be paid the sum of 15/- shillings per month to taking the Ministers.

1896 May 6th Church Meeting

The account of Xmas Tree was Brought in the whole amount received was £24-14-10 and payments had been made to the amount of £7-1-2 1/2 and also £4-9-10 1/2 in payment of supplies leaving a balance to pay to Treasurer of £12-17-9

(Total) 12-17-9

From teaparty 1-0-0

Balance in Aug 0-14-9 1/2

(Total) 14-12-6 1/2

It was also agreed that we make our Collection for Cardiff college on the fortnight after our next Communion Sunday

Henry Williams

1896 October 28th Church Meeting

Proposed by Brother J. Jacob seconded by Brother J. Edins that we have a Xmas Tree on Xmas day and unanimously agreed.

that we buy half Dozen lamps

that we buy a new Bible for the pulpit and also a new Hymn Book

Henry Williams

1897 February 14th

On Sunday the 14th it was proposed by William Stephens Seconded by Williams Jones and unanimously agreed that we as a Church give an invitation to the Rev David Rees (of Llanhilleth formerly of Aberfan near Merthyr to the Pastorate of this Church, and to Commence his Pastorate on the first Sunday in April the Invitation was accepted by Mr Rees and he commenced on April 3rd 1897. He supplied the pulpit two Sundays previously.

Henry Williams

1897 November 9th Church Meeting

1st It was unanimously agreed that we hold a Christmas Tree on Xmas day

2nd In reference to the Safe for Use Custody of the deeds of Chapel it was decided to let the deeds where they are for the present.

3 It was decided that our Sister Martha Sainsbury be Baptized next Lords day and received into church fellowship in this place

Henry Williams, Sec

1898 February 2nd Church Meeting

It was unanimously agreed that the following Candidates for Baptism be Baptized next Lords day and received into Church fellowship

Annie Williams, Bryn Farm

Martha Williams, Bryn Farm

Nelly Arnold of the Twyn and

Louisa Williams, Upper House

All from the Sunday school

Signed Henry Williams, Sec

1898 March 2nd Church Meeting

It was resolved that the two Brethren Candidates for Baptism be Baptized next Lords day and received into Church fellowship

William Stephens

James Stephens

Signed Henry Williams

1898 March 30 Church Meeting

It was resolved that our young Sister Martha Smith be Baptized next Lords day and received into Church fellowship

Signed Henry Williams, Sec

1898 April 27 Church Meeting

1st this being the annual church meeting the Church book was revised before making the accounts for the Association when the following persons were eraced from the Church Book for non attendance Edith Jenkins, William Stinchcomb and George Pitt

2nd It was proposed that Brethren Henry Williams, William Williams, Emanuel Sainsbury + Re W Rees be appointed as a Committee to have the Chapel repainted and contoured?

that our young sisters Clara Jones and Maud Rees be Baptized next Lords day and received into Church fellowship in this place

Signed Henry Williams, Sec

Church Meeting December 5th 1899

1st At this meeting it was unanimously agreed that the three Brethren Theophilus Jacob Emanuel Sainsbury and John Michael be appointed to the Office of Deacons in this Church with those that are already Deacons

2nd that the Church have the stove altered the pipe to go out opposite the stove through the wall

Henry Williams, Sec

1900 December 5 Church Meeting

It was decided that Jas W Edmunds of Upper Wernhir be excluded from membership in this Church

Henry Williams, Sec

Transcribed by Alistair Pitt from records photographed on 8th May 2009 at Gwent County Archives.